Debt payments, fines mask strong sales of pickups, SUVs

The U.S. arm of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV said its second-quarter profit slipped more than 3% with debt payments and government fines masking the company’s strong performance as consumers snapped up bigger and more expensive pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles.

Net income fell to $598 million from $619 million a year earlier. The company spent $90 million alone on fines issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for oversights in the recalls of its vehicles.